Indian Navy's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft arrives in Hawaii for world's largest naval exercise

India’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft arrives in Hawaii to support the world’s largest naval exercise, the 30th Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. The aircraft reached Hawaii to participate in the exercise running from June 24 to July 31, hosted by the US Pacific Fleet. The event brings together 30 nations, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, over 206 aircraft, 15 national land forces, and about 30,000 personnel. The Indian embassy in the US said India’s participation reaffirms its commitment to a “free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific” by improving interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and cooperation with partner navies. RIMPAC 2026’s theme is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.” US Navy officials described RIMPAC as a chance for countries to train together in complex, realistic scenarios to safeguard sea lanes and enhance maritime security across the world’s oceans. The exercise includes amphibious operations, gunnery and missile drills, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.